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Naomi Judd not happy with CMT Awards' George Jones tribute

The Judds' Naomi Judd is voicing her displeasure with the direction the of country music, as reflected by last week's CMT Music Awards. The singer writes in a letter to Nashville's "Tennessean" that she felt the ceremony only gave the recent death of legendary star George Jones a "by the way" mention, and incongruously chose alternative music group The Mavericks to perform their short version of George's "The Race Is On."

Judd adds that every year the event's organizers include artists of unrelated genres, many of whom some country music fans don't even know, and suggests CMT change the ceremony's name to "the Multi-Genre Awards Show, Featuring Artists under 30." Naomi describes country music fans as a loyal bunch who are passionate about their roots and heritage, adding that Jones is to country music what The Beatles are to pop. Judd says she realizes that speaking out will leave her forever banned by CMT, but she's tired of folks messing with her country music.

During last Wednesday's CMT Music Awards, host Jason Aldean wrapped up one of the show's segments acknowledging Jones' passing. The Mavericks, who were serving as the event's house band, then performed the Jones hit leading into a commercial. Meanwhile, rocker Lenny Kravitz kicked off the event with a collaboration with Aldean, while rapper Nelly closed the ceremony performing with Florida Georgia Line.